Monday, November 30, 2009

Over 30 of Vancouver Island and area's finest artists put on one "Heck of a Show". With original paintings, pottery, glass and fibre art there was something for everyone.

I was humbled when guests stopped by to congratulate me as the host. Many said "This is the BEST show they had ever attended!" That seemed to be the theme for the weekend, as the artists sold work and also commented, "This was the BEST show they have ever exhibited in!" BEST SHOW EVER...that's quite a compliment!

The food was great...the entertainment was fun and the diversity of high calibre art was what most guests enjoyed.

Needless to say, we have booked the Lighthouse Community Centre for next year's event.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

After a whole year of working only with acrylic paints I am back to watercolours and lovin' it!

From the moment the first brush stroke went down I said "Boy I really do like watercolours".

They are great for travelling around as you need very little supplies to work with; two or three brushes, a few colours, a pencil and a sheet of paper. Plus if you are having a good day, you can usually complete a painting, or at least get a good start.

The first painting is of my nephew Zachery at the beach this summer. What I love about this one is that even though you can't see his face, if you know Zack, you recognize him right away as the "Boy at the Beach".

I also love all the action going on in this painting from his left hand tossing sand from the shovel, the way his right foot twists and is buried in the sand while his right hand turns outward.

The next image is called "No Gas Today".

This is an abandoned gas station on a gravel road in Saskatchewan. I am sure it was quite the busy stop in it's day, maybe like "Corner Gas", but sadly not any more.

The next painting is called "Wagons Ho!", another Saskatchewan scene. Both the elevators and wagons are becoming extinct in the Saskatchewan landscape.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

As you may know from reading my last blog, we drove out to Saskatchewan in June and on the way back took the southern route through Lethbridge and Hwy. # 3. I love that drive, as it is so pretty, less traffic and very rustic with many deserted old sheds and barns along the way. It also reminds me a lot of the Qu'Appelle Valley with it's rolling hills.

After saying good bye to my Uncle and cousins, Jeff, Cheyenne and I left Grand Forks, and headed west on hwy. # 3. Shortly thereafter we came across this deserted country yard and with a screeching stop ... I jumped out of the car and took several photographs, knowing that it had to be painted some day.

After returning to Vancouver Island, and having not painted for over two weeks, I was anxious to put brush to canvas. Wouldn't you know it ... this picture begged to be painted. I painted a rough sketch directly on the canvas using burnt sienna acrylic paint. Once I was happy with the placement and perspective of the elements, it was time to add some colour.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

As many may know I am born and raised a Prairie Flower. Going back and forth to Sask. several times a year keeps me grounded.

This June was no exception. We crossed the ocean, over the mountains, through the desert, through heat, rain, snow and fog, across the lone prairie to the glorious Qu'Appelle Valley just in time for Tuesday night wings and beer.

June 11th marked my 5-hour one-day only Art Show and Sale in Fort Qu'Appelle, "From the Prairies, to the West Coast ... and Back Again". The local newspaper ran a wonderful article which brought in several curious art lovers. Along with my usual marketing of invitations and email reminders, the flow of art connoisseurs was constant throughout the day. Of the 38 pieces on display, almost half were sold to art lovers and now make their homes in Saskatchewan. What a great reminder of my connection to the prairies!

The next day we were off to my dad's farm for a family reunion on the Schaefer side. With approx. 80 people, all apparently related, the weekend was wonderful, with great weather, a good BBQ and even fireworks. What would a family get together be without a few games of horse shoes?

The following week we were back in the Qu'Appelle Valley doing deliveries of the 8th annual Travel Guide, a yearly publication to promote tourism.

We took a leisurely drive back through Lethbridge along Hwy. 3 to Grand Forks for an overnight visit with my cousins and Uncle Jack.

I love my family and miss my friends ... but boy it was nice to be home!

Friday, June 5, 2009

One day while walking my dog down by the beach, I took several photos of seagulls. When it came time to choosing a subject to paint, I scanned through my images and noticed that one particular seagull had only one leg. (Apparently it is quite a common sighting, as perhaps a seal wanted a quick appetizer.) On seeing his peg-leg I knew immediately that I had stumbled upon the legendary "Long John Seagull".

Long John Seagull is notorious for his unscrupulous actions, as he was responsible for gull-napping Johnathan and Sheldon and selling them as slaves to a lady in Saskatchewan. (see blog dated January 23, 2009).

He is also rumored to have had a torrid affair with Sheldon and Johnathan's spinster aunt, Henrietta Seagull. He had his way ... then dumped her in the sea. She has never been quite the same since. She will soon find some solace as she is heading out to the prairies to spend some time with her nephews.

There is no telling what kind of trouble Long John and his Buccaneers will get into next!!

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Yesterday I helped Ken Kirby set up his art show and attended his event called paint by Numbers. I idea behind the event is that Ken, with the help of his posse, sold 40 tickets at $500 per ticket. He then displayed 40 paintings, a great majority of which were his own design, others were collected from local artists. Each entry was guaranteed to leave the event with a painting. But ... and here is the catch, the tickets were drawn randomly out of a hat. As your number was picked you then had two minutes to decide on a painting. Near the end of the event, obviously the choices became slimmer and slimmer as the final number drawn had their pick of the last painting.

I should also mention that Ken Kirby is the president of the Nile Creek Enhancement Society, and all proceeds from the event will go towards the restoration of the ecological systems of the rivers and kelp beds.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Yesterday I drove over to Port Alberni to take down my art show which had been running for the past month at the Rollin' Art Centre. Not only did I have a wonderful experience and had the privilege of showing my work to art lovers on another part of the island, but I also found a good home for my cows. They were sold to a lady in Port Alberni, where they will now retire on her dining room wall. I guess "From the Prairies to the West Coast" was a fitting name for the show as my Saskatchewan cows now reside on the west coast.

My advise to all artists... is to continue to paint ... and continue to show your work. We never know where, when or what will transpire by doing shows... but we do know that only good comes from them.

If you'd like to see how the "Out to Pasture" painting came about, please see my earlier blog of April 2nd.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

I always enjoy the time after one of my publications goes "To Bed". It is a great relief as I send it off to the printers and wait for the return of several boxes of printed magazines.

I enjoy this time as it gives me opportunity to clean up my desk, catch up on some little chores, make coffee dates ... and also play around with some paint. And that's exactly what I've been doing - from morning till night, dabbing a few brush strokes here and there.

The first painting depicts days gone by in the prairie landscape. This particular photo was taken on the way to an artists workshop at Good Spirit Lake, in Saskatchewan. Not only do I love the old building, but of particular interest was how the old house was outlined by the ruggedness of the barbed wire fencing.

"The Old Homestead", 7 x 5" acrylic

The next painting was fun. First using my computer I added some crazy colours to the photograph, to see what they would look like. I then began to paint, wet on wet, swirling the paint around, often very thick, using different shades of aqua green, brilliant blue and violet to give the effect of movement in the water.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

First of all I do apologize with being late with my Blog. I was hoping to have some images to accompany one of my stories, but they have yet to show up in my email box.

Here's my past week:

Tuesday was 'Artist in Resident' day at TOSH. I had two paintings that I was working on. The volunteer for the gift shop was off being a gramma, so I was also wearing the hat (or beret) of keeping a eye on the shop. But I did manage a coffee date with a friend and got some good painting done.

Wednesday I was off to Port Alberni to give an Artist's talk to two groups of 8-graders. I tried my best to keep them interested, but found some were there just to get out of class. Hopefully I did reach a few kids. At the end of the question and answer period I said "Ha, I brought some of my acrylic paints with me. Would anybody like to give them a try?"

Well that was the key to getting them excited and involved as they quickly lined up at the eisel to try their hand at painting.

I know I had fun! Here is a quote from one of the assistant teachers:"Meeting you has also inspired me to continue to teach students in a real world capacity."

What a nice thought!

Thursday I was in Nanaimo for most of the day - the rest of the week was gardening and beach walking. There you have it - another week!

Saturday, May 2, 2009

It's been a very busy week for production. First of all I completed my 8th annual Travel Guide for the Fort Qu'Appelle, Sask. area. Wow - 8 years has just flown by. I received the proof from the printers yesterday, one final look and off to the presses. They will be delivered in June.

Next in line, is the Summer issue of the Island Arts Magazine. This issue was truly a test of patience. We had problems with our network server ... what that means it for over a week, my email program was acting bizerk. I was sending emails out to my clients, asking them to proof their ads .... but receiving no replys.What's going on, I thought. We started another email address: susan@islandartsmag.caIt truly was a test of patience, for both myself and my clients, (who probably thought I was nagging them with duplicate emails). Finally the magazine has all come together .... and let me tell you .... this issue is OUTSTANDING! There is soooo much going on for the summer, I have many new artists advertising, the editorial content is phenomenal and of course the design looks fabulous.

This weekend, we give it another proofing, then it too can be uploaded to the printers who will run a final proof for me. That too will be delivered in June.

For all of you who have subscribed to the magazine .... what are you waiting for?

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Sunday evening, and boy am I beat. Yesterday was my art opening at the Rollin' Art Centre in Port Alberni.

First of all, the show looked absolutely beautiful! The ladies who set it up did a great job. Here is a picture of the entrance .... as you come up the stairs the first thing you see is a couple of prairie cows. The title of the show is "From the Prairies to the West Coast."

I have 38 pieces on display - all acrylic artwork - of varying sizes. The pieces were displayed in different groupings, with themes. I was really happy with the look.

For three hours I painted and talked to art lovers about my work. The biggest surprise was when Shaw Cable showed up to do an interview with me that will appear on television this week. The local newspaper showed up shortly after that, to write a story about the show. Wow!

What a great day! I had difficulty sleeping last night, as I was on cloud nine, reliving the day.

By the way .... the the cakes and brownies that they served were decadent!

The show continues on till May 20th... make sure you to drop by, it's well worth the drive!

Friday, April 10, 2009

If you recall, I had taken a workshop with Brian Simons in Victoria, this past Jan. I was struggling with one particular painting - a wavey beach. Brian had told me to go home, and not to touch the piece again until it "Screamed" at me. (refer to blog of Jan. 30th.).

Home I went, wondering why I put myself through the torture of trying to learn new techniques. The painting stood against my wall for several weeks, before I heard a slight peep "Try painting me again!"

So I timidly dusted if off, placed it on the easel, and the words of "David Wick" (another famous artist whom I've recently met) came into my mind - "Let the spirit move you."

I put on some funky rock 'n' roll music, big brush in hand and began to play - putting paint on canvas. The paint was flying, the brush strokes were painterly. The painting was taking on a life of it's own.

Jeff came into the studio "Five minutes till supper". "I can't stop now" I said, "I'm in the groove and I have wet paint". Several brush strokes later, I stood back and declared the painting finished.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

The time just seems to be flying by. This week I've been working on designs and layouts for both the Valley Travel Guide and also getting a start on the next Island Arts Magazine. In between that I've been poking a few seeds into the ground and getting my hands dirty! Oh the sweet smell of spring!

If you recall I was working on a cow painting, wondering if I should gesso it over, or turn it into a dog (or perhaps the painting itself was a dog). Take a quick look at my posting of March 12th for comparison. I am pleased to announce that I persevered, I questioned, I threatened, often standing on my head and many layers of paint later, I present to you "Out to Pasture", acrylic 30 x 24".

What do you think ... send me your comments, I'd love to hear from you.

p.s.

I bet you thought this blog titled "Out to Pasture" was going to be about my pending birthday. Ha fooled ya!

Friday, March 27, 2009

Some of you have been asking about my dog, Cheyenne, so I thought I'd post an up to date image of him. He is great! He enjoys his walks along the beach and he also throughly enjoys his several naps per day. He is becoming known around the island ... as a matter of fact some folks recognize him, before they recognize us! Hmmm!

Heeeerrrr's the dog! He sees a seal, but not quite sure what it is. There was nothing like it in the prairies - so this is new!

Now that we have that out of the way .... my very most exciting news for this week .... drum roll please ... is that I have been asked to have a Solo Exhibition of my paintings at the Rollin' Art Gallery in Port Alberni.

The show will run from April 24-May 20 with a meet and greet on Sat. April 25th. It runs in conjunction with Days of the Arts on April 25th in Port Alberni; a self-guided artists studio tour. In otherwords, I am part of the tour!

Now my head is spinning, as I must prepare a bio, update my brochures, and choose 20 - 30 paintings to display, all within the next week. (hmm I should probably get a hair cut before then as well)

I am very excited about the opportunity and I am looking forward to having a Fantastically GREAT Show!

Friday, March 20, 2009

I was hoping to finish my cow painting this week to show you the latest update ... but life got in the way and I still need a few more days till it is complete.

I thought instead I'd introduce you to "Harbour Rest".This was inspired by a photograph that I took a couple years back in Steveston Village, on the mainland of BC.When my partner Jeff was living in Richmond, Steveston Village was one of our favourite places to go for fish 'n chips.

This painting started with several layers of black paint. Once that was dry, I then roughly sketched in some of the details, with a graphite stick.

Slowly I start painting in the highlights. Before long - just like magic - the painting came to life.

A few more layers of paint and voila - the painting was complete.

"Harbour Rest", 10 x 12", acrylic painting

p.s.

It's been raining off and on the last few days like cats and dog. At this moment, the sun is out, so I better go take my dog for a quick walk.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Last night we attended the opening for the Oceanside Arts Council Festival of Art. This is a juried show each March which attracts over 300 artists to display their artwork. The show is in it's 34th year. As you walk around the room admiring all the diverse pieces of artwork, it is truly mind expanding, as each artist is so very different from the other, but all with a similar passion for art.

Speaking of mind expanding - we have decided to host the first annual Island Arts Expo. We are in the early planning stages, but the basic concept is an extravaganza of artists and artisans, workshops, guest speakers and entertainment, along with really good food (very important). The slated dates are Nov. 14th and 15th, 2009. Please check our website periodically as we will bring you more details.

Not withstanding that .... just so you know that I continue to work on my own art .... here is the beginning of another painting. The barn is from one photograph and the cows from another - both are Saskatchewan born. At this point the cows look somewhat stunned ... as Jeff pointed out "There's something wrong with those cows!" What I say is, "Ha, this is just the beginning - wait for the transformation. It will be truly miraculous."

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Please forgive me ... I forgot to do my Friday Blog. But I have a good excuse - my brother and his fiancé from Regina are here visiting. They are trying to escape the Saskatchewan winter. I have been very busy touring them around the Island as well as delivering my Spring Issue of the Island Arts Magazine. That is my excuse and I'm stickin to it!I would like to introduce you to "Two Old Crows". I am constantly feeding the birds in my yard, and seeing many new species, so much so that we had to go out and buy a new bird book for the West Coast. Once the seeds go out, the crows instinctively move in. We yell and wave our hands at the old nags as they quickly gobble up the peanuts leaving nothing but shells for the Stellar J's.

Perhaps that has influenced this painting ... or the fact that I will be turning 50 later this year and have been offered my first senior discount. Who knows! All I know is that this painting was fun to do. My only intention when starting this painting was to paint a couple of crows. I had no idea what colours I was going to use, the layout ... nothing. This was really fun and freeing! The paint when on, I worked quickly, wet into wet, moving the colours back and forth, until finally I had to stop, in fear of messing it up. Yes it was complete and I absolutely love the result.

Friday, February 27, 2009

There I was feeding my dog .. when all of a sudden I thought "Oh my gosh ... it's Friday. You know what that means? It's Blog-Day. What shall I write about?"

As some of you know from my E-Newsletters, I have been intrigued by reflections lately. (Not reflections of life, rather reflections in the water.) I love going down to French Creek and taking photos of the boats - but mostly the ripples in the water and the reflections of the boat on the water. Sometimes you can capture the whole image of the scene just from the water.

During a recent interview with one of my "Feature Artists" Nana Cook, Nana explained how she starts a painting. Usually she begins with a black gessoed canvas, as she likes to bring the paint forward. I thought I'd like to give that a try.

On these two paintings, first I painted several layers of black acrylic paint on the entire canvas, including the sides. Then I roughly penciled in some of the main shapes. Slowly I started adding and painting in the shapes, building up the colour, not getting too detailed, and leaving bits and sections of black poking through.

The result was very dramatic, graphic, and simplistic.

Someday I'll tackle a huge canvas using this technique. I think it would be great fun working on floral paintings this way.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Painting Painterly - is how best to describe this painting. From a recent workshop that I attended that is one of the things that keeps popping into my mind. "Paint Painterly" our instructor kept saying. Change your brushstrokes - make some wide, others thin, change the direction of the strokes ... painterly.

I met this handsome McCaw last winter while down in Mexico. My friend and I stumbled across a little piece of paradise one day, while out exploring. There was a beautiful resort, with inviting tropical walkways, which led to a gift shop. In front of the shop was a perch, well chewed, but no birds. A Mexican man came by and asked if we would like to meet his birds. He whistled, and instantly two huge birds came flying down and landed on the perch. They proceeded to entertain, while I took many photos.

I started this painting several weeks ago ... then put it up on my shelf. Yesterday I dusted it off and began to "Paint Painterly". It was fun spontaneous and uplifting, with no preconceived end in mind. Suddenly my McCaw came to life and he is a real gem.

"Pajaro Parlante"10 x 12" acrylic

My advise ... paint with zest, move that colour around, have fun ... it will show in your artwork.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Yesterday I was sorting through my life ... rounding up receipts for my year end taxes ... and came across some photos that brought back many memories; a portfolio of art work that dates back to the early 80's.

A friend of a friend approached myself and two other school buddies to help design a studio set for a cable television company in Regina, Saskatchewan. Excited beyond words, I knew that this was the beginning of something incredible. After a few initial meetings and concepts, my two friends slowly lost interest in the project.

Being true to my word, I worked long hours into the night to fulfill my obligations. I suppose from that point on, I knew that I could make a living as a self employed artist, doing what I loved to do.

I went on to create many more projects in Regina. I painted several murals on outside walls for local businesses. At Christmas time I painted a window design in for Sask. Tel, which included Santa Clause talking to his Reindeer.

Memories are good things to have ... they remind us of where we have been, what we have accomplished ... as we often forget how far we have come.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Many years and a few lifetimes ago , I lived in Toronto. I had my own graphic arts company and worked and played hard. One of the great benefits of living in Toronto, was that there were always great deals on last minute flights to some exotic tropical land.

I did a lot of my traveling in the years that I lived out east and never left home without a canvas or two and a few tubes of paint.

On one particular weekend, I recall going to Nassau for a 4 nights - 5 day trip. As I toured around the paradise enjoying every second of my long weekend, I came across a Flamingo show.

There was a bunch - a flock - of about 30 birds, standing at attention, turning to the right, to the left, standing on one foot, then the other, as this tiny odd looking general-type man belted out commands. A couple of birds decided to go AWOL. They had had enough of this and took off in the middle of the performance. The little general stopped the show, went after the birds, brought them back into the line-up and continued on with the performance. What a peculiar memory!

After the performance, we were able to take some photos of the stars. This is one of those beautiful birds, posing for my camera which I turned into a painting.

"Bahama Flamingo", 10 x 14", acrylic

I have started a section on my website called "Oldies but Goldies" where I am showcasing some of my earlier work.

I wonder if I went back to Nassau if the show would still be going on?

Friday, January 30, 2009

I have always enjoyed organizing and attending artists workshops. I go into them with an open mind and a positive attitude about learning what the instructor has to teach ... after all that is what I paid the money for. Even if I only learn one thing in each workshop, I feel that I am a better painter for it.

Last weekend I attended a workshop by Brian Simons in Victoria BC. I had been looking for an acrylic workshop when I came across his website and really liked the look of his artwork. I thought, perhaps I can learn from this man.

Brian teaches you to underpaint using a burnt sienna, spending time working on your values - darks and lights. Once you are happy with that, then the colour is ready to be added and like magic your painting comes to life. I started this one upside down, as I wanted to get my head out of the process (the canvas was upside down - not me). Instead of thinking about clouds and beach, I was thinking about shapes and light and dark spaces.

After two days of struggling with this new technique - here is the end result.

Brian thinks this piece is close to being finished and to not work it anymore - until it SCREAMS at me.So far it hasn't even whispered .... so perhaps I'll leave it be.

p.s. Update on Sheldon:

Sheldon has arrived in Sask. feathers unruffledThey think perhaps Johnathan is a tinsy bit jealous as Sheldon is a little more 'polished' and perhaps more of a ladies man.

They think it's best for the time being to be on separate walls to let them 'get to know' each other.

Friday, January 23, 2009

He cocks his neck slightly as if to say "I'm Listening." This is 5x7" acrylic painting was painted just a week ago, but Sheldon is already flying the coop. He will make his new home in the Qu'Appelle Valley, Saskatchwan where his cousin Johnathan resides.

Although he will be deeply missed, it is nice that they willbe united.

Who knows what shenanigans they will get into - after all - birds of a feather flock together.

Johnathan, 8 x 10", acrylic painting

He flew the coop last summer after being featured in my annual Qu'Appelle Valley Travel Guide. The attention went to his little bird brain, and next thing you know .... he was off and flying.

Safe journey my little friends. I am sure a few more of their relatives will be showing up soon.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

I was talking to a good friend of mine this morning and she said "Ha, where is your blog from Friday?" Wow, ooops I forgot. I thought about it a couple of times during the day, "Oh ya, I have to do my blog today." Then who knows, I got tied up on the couch watching something I suppose. Sorry about that .... at least I know people are reading them. Goodie!

Here is my Friday Blog on a Sunday. Today it is warm, and foggy out. We just had pancakes for breakfast. (Another friend of mine in Sask. thinks that all we do - is eat!) Can I help it that we love watching the Food Network! After this we are going for a BIG dog walk down to the ocean, where the eagles and seals play.

This painting was inspired from a photo that I took last fall while on a dog walk. Months later I was looking for an image to paint. This stuck me as I loved the movement of the waves. It wasn't till I started working on it that I noticed a small Canadian flag on a pole to the right of the picture. Here you can take a look at a closeup.

Once I saw that, I knew the title had to involve patriotism.

"Oh Canada", acrylic 12 x 10"

This piece is for sale and hanging at "The Hobby Farmer" - gallery and gifts in Qualicum Beach.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Hi - what a great week I have had. At the beginning of January I always feel refreshed, geared up and ready for a great new year. This week was no exception, as I completed three more paintings that I had started in December. I sent out my monthly "Hot Off the Palette" newsletter, contacted some clients, and started my next issue of the "Island Arts Magazine". I even managed to fit in a couple of coffee dates. How's that for a complete week?

The really BIG news is that I am awaiting the arrival of ..... my latest book. It's called "A Collection of Fine Art". It is a book of some of my acrylic paintings, along with the inspiration behind the creations. Next week I will be pacing the floor, like a newly expectant parent, waiting for the mail - lady to drop off the goods - hopefully my new addition book will be a part of it.

For anyone who would like a sneak preview of the book or to pick up a copy for your own collection, please go to the Blurb Bookstore.

Friday, January 2, 2009

With all the unusual accumulation of snow over the past couple of weeks and the frigid cold weather in the prairies, I thought it was quite fitting to reintroduce you to this painting.

The elevators on the prairies are slowly disappearing. Years ago they were in almost every small town, every eight miles down the road. I remember taking trip after trip with my dad as he hauled the grain to the elevator, disappointed if he forgot to take me on one of those rides. What a thrill it was when the the tail gate opened and the grain unloaded. The sound, the dust, the smell ... those memories are forever. Now the prairie icons and landmarks disappear. How grand it be to have an art gallery in an elevator. Maybe I could buy one for a loonie, or have it moved somewhere, perhaps to my dad's homestead farm.